Downtown Alliance opens Call for Artists for next “Alley of Art” piece

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Downtown Alliance is searching for a muralist to design and install a new large-scale piece in downtown St. Cloud as part of its ongoing “Alley of Art” initiative.

The project is funded through a grant from the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and continues the Alliance’s effort to convert underused pedestrian alleyways in the downtown business district into outdoor galleries. The nonprofit says the work is meant to boost foot traffic, improve safety and build community pride.

The mural will go on a blank brick or masonry wall in a high-traffic alley that already features existing artwork. The Alliance says it ultimately wants to fill the entire alleyway. Organizers are asking the selected artist to tie the design to the history of the Central Minnesota region while keeping it forward-looking and reflective of the area’s diverse future.

The total award is $5,100. That stipend is all-inclusive and must cover the artist’s design and execution fees, all supplies, paints, primers, anti-graffiti coatings and equipment, as well as travel and insurance, unless the building owner provides site prep or lift accommodations.

The call is open to regional visual artists and artist teams with experience executing large outdoor murals on brick or masonry surfaces and managing public art budgets. The Alliance is encouraging artists who reflect the diverse culture of the tri-county area to apply.

The selected artist will work through a structured design process alongside the Downtown Alliance Beautification Committee and the property owner. The public will also have a chance to weigh in, with design input gathered on August 14th during the downtown art crawl.

Under the project timeline, the Alliance plans to announce its artist selection the week of July 13th, with the collaborative design and revision process running July 20th through August 15th. Installation is set for August into September, with a buffer into early October.

The finished mural will be unveiled during October 9th’s downtown art crawl, which will also include an artist meet and greet.

The alley of art is located behind West St. Germain Street between 6th and 7th Avenue North. Current pieces were painted by Jen Steinkopf.

Artists interested in applying by clicking here.

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